Managing minutes for Lynx

The Lynx continue to get closer to full strength. Seimone Augustus, back from some time off following her season playing abroad, was at Lynx practice today. She didn’t work out, but she was in attendance, meeting the new players. She will begin practicing Friday. Rebekkah Brunson will begin practicing Sunday.

The Lynx will have Saturday off.

Thursday’s practice ended up with a fairly intense scrimmage. Janel McCarville took part in the beginning of the scrimmage, then sat out. Lindsay Whalen did not participate. Neither is injured, but coach Cheryl Reeve is trying to manage things during a long camp.

Jacki Gemelos (quad) did not practice again today. The plan is to have her ready to go Sunday.

Reeve said she is impressed with rookies Lindsey Moore, Ta'Shauna Rodgers and Janeesa Jeffery. Indeed, Reeve was so happy with the way Rodgers has played she has agreed to start using her nickname more, something Reeve vowed not to do after drafting "Sugar'' Rodgers last month.

After practice ended there was a little celebration. The team sang happy birthday to Whalen, who turned 31 Thursday. Augustus, meanwhile, turned 29 on April 30, but today was the first day she was with the team. So cakes were presented to them both.

And then Flip Saunders, the Timberwolves’ newly-hired president of basketball operations, came down to the practice facility to chat with Reeve.